Cruise passengers pack more than almost any other category of traveller. A 14-night Mediterranean sailing typically means two large checked cases per person, formal eveningwear in a garment bag, carry-on bags, and often a tote or two. For a couple that is four large suitcases, two carry-ons, one or two garment bags, and possibly a duty-free bag on return.
Choosing the right chauffeur vehicle for that load is straightforward once you know the vehicle categories and their boot capacities.
Understanding the luggage in play
Before selecting a vehicle, count your bags honestly:
- Large suitcase (28 inch/checked size): approximately 100–120 litres of volume. Two of these per person is a full 4-case load.
- Garment bag (hanging dress bags): awkward to fold; requires a car where the boot lid is high enough to lay it flat or the rear cabin offers a hook.
- Carry-on or cabin bag: small, fits on the passenger seat or footwell easily.
- CPAP machine or medical equipment: compact but needs protection — not to be buried under cases.
- Mobility walking frame (folded): bulky but foldable; requires deliberate boot space allocation.
Vehicle categories and what fits
Standard Saloon Typical boot approximately 400–500 litres. Suitable for two large cases and two carry-ons — do not rely on it for four large cases. If you have a full 4-case load, a Saloon will result in a cramped boot and possibly a case in the passenger cabin.
Standard Estate Boot approximately 600–750 litres with rear seats up. This is the correct vehicle for a couple with four standard large suitcases, two carry-ons, and hand luggage. The extended load area swallows the full load comfortably without compromising passenger cabin space. This is the most popular vehicle for Southampton cruise transfers.
Standard MPV Seats up to six passengers. With rear seats in use the boot is modest — similar to a Saloon. If using an MPV for three or four passengers, luggage should be assessed carefully. For families of four with moderate luggage it works; for two passengers with maximum cruise luggage it is not optimal compared to the Estate.
Executive MPV (Mercedes V-Class) The right choice for large groups or maximum-luggage couples. The V-Class carries six passengers in genuine comfort and has a generous rear boot. Luggage slides in flat — no awkward stacking. Also the correct choice for a passenger with a mobility scooter (compact folding type) or large medical equipment. Executive MPV adds a premium chauffeur experience appropriate to the start and end of a holiday.
Standard Minibus For group cruise departures — eight or more passengers travelling together. Luggage is loaded into the underfloor storage area or the rear section. Ideal for multi-cabin bookings, families with children, or social groups.
Planning for the return journey
Disembarkation luggage sometimes exceeds embarkation luggage — duty-free purchases, gifts, and items bought on board accumulate. If you think your return load will be heavier, note this when booking and we can ensure the correct vehicle is allocated for the return leg as well.
Return bookings receive a 5% discount; fares over £250 receive a further 15% off.
Garment bags — a specific note
Garment bags (used for formal cruise nights, wedding-adjacent events, or long dresses) are awkward in vehicles with low boot openings. In the Estate and V-Class the bags can be laid flat across the top of cases. In the Saloon they sometimes have to be folded in the footwell, which defeats their purpose. If garment bags are in play, book an Estate or above.
What your driver does at the terminal
Your Fare 1 driver unloads all bags from the vehicle and transfers them to the porter trolley at the terminal drop-off. You do not have to manage heavy cases — the porter service takes over from the trolley and delivers directly to your cabin. On disembarkation, the driver loads all bags back into the vehicle from the pier exit, assisted by terminal porters.
Get your fare
Enter your address, your terminal, and the number of passengers at book.fare1.co.uk. Select your vehicle based on the guide above — the fixed fare is confirmed immediately with no hidden charges for luggage.